Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple Tirupati, Timings, Entry Fee & History

Located in the heart of Tirupati town, Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is another popular temple in the region. An important sub-shrine under the maintenance of TTD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Kodandarama Swamy Varu, his consort Goddess Sita Ammavaru and Lord Lakshmana. With idol of Lord Rama in the main temple complex, it has separate sub-shrines for Lord Lakshmana and Goddess Sita.

High significance of this temple owes to its mentions in Puranas, sacred Hindu scriptures. According to legends, after the war and 14 years of exile, when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana were returning to Ayodhya, they had stayed at this place for a night.

There is one more legend which is associated with this temple. According to the beliefs, there was an ancient cave, radiating with incomparable glow. When asked about the source of light inside the cave, Lord Rama had replied that the brightness is due to the divine presence in the cave. Later, when Jambavan went inside, he saw an idol which was emanating the divine glow. This later became as Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple.

Another legend states that this temple was built when Lord Rama paid a visit to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. It was constructed to celebrate the divine meeting.

Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple also has a rich historical background. It is believed to be built in the 10th century, during the reign of Chola kings. It has been maintained and developed by many kingdoms. During 15th century, it was especially developed in 15th Century by Sri Krishna Deva Raya, who was the king of Vijayanagara dynasty. An ardent devotee of this temple, he had given special interest in the development of Kodandarama Swamy Temple. On the temple’s rock walls of the outer mandapam, one can see symbols of Kodandarama Swamy Temple and Raja mudrikas. Temple’s Gopuram is also worth admiring with its architectural brilliance.

During the time of annual Brahmotsavam, along with other temples of Tirumala, Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple also presents a vibrant fervour of festivity and spirituality. During this nine day long festival, many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings of lord and celebrate the auspicious occasion.

Visiting timings at Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple are from 5 in morning till 8.30 in night. Reaching this temple is not a difficult task either as it is only 3 km away from Tirupati RTC Bus Stand. From Tirupati Railway station, it is about 2.5 km away.

This temple is situated at a distance of only 1 km from another primary shrine in Tirupati, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, dedicated to the lord Sri Govindaraja Swamy who is the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Another temple which is situated nearby is the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara. Located opposite to this temple is Anjaneya swamy temple, which is also visited by many devotees.